Vinod Khanna's 'mafia' reference in KOYELAANCHAL

April 4, 2014 4:31:49 PM ISTBy Joginder Tuteja, Glamsham Editorial

When the makers of KOYELAANCHAL, a film that promises to be an expose of coal mafia, began work on the film, they knew that not just they were walking on a thin line; they were also going to stir a hornet's nest. While the film is designed as a direct attack on how mafia and locals operate in the land of coal, even government is not spared, what with the film's promotion beginning with a statement - 'Is Desh Ma Ek Hi Mafia Hai, Woh Hai Bhaarat Sarkaar' (in this country, the biggest mafia is Indian Government).

No wonder, such has been the impact of this statement, which finds a prominent position in the film's promo as well as the posters that many leading publication houses have refused to carry it even in advertisements.

Their argument was that a statement like this, where a finger was being pointed at the Indian government, would end up ruffling quite a few feathers. With the political season heating up and elections just round the corner, a promotional material like this was considered way too volatile.

No wonder, producer-director Asshu Trikha is livid. He says, "The dialogue in question isn't what KOYELAANCHAL stands for. It is a statement made by a character Saryu Bhan Singh (played by Vinod Khanna) in the film, and we have credited it accordingly even on the posters. How others react to it is what the film is about. I would have been happier had we been allowed our freedom of speech."

We hope his voice is heard in days to come as the film, which features Suniel Shetty in a powerful role, is marching towards its 9th May release.